When it comes to customized cars, very few creations achieve the status of a true masterpiece. Dirty Martini, a 1961 Chevrolet Impala built by Will Posey and the renowned team at Big Oak Garage, is one of those cars.

After a five-year build and a dominant run on the show circuit, this multi-award-winning custom is now heading to the Mecum auction in Monterey, giving collectors a rare chance to own one of the nation’s top street rods.

Subtle Metal, Major Changes

The car’s most impressive feature is its incredibly subtle yet extensive bodywork. The team at Big Oak Garage masterfully re-proportioned the Impala’s classic bubble top lines.

They wedge-chopped the roof by three-quarters of an inch, heightened the rear quarter panels, and channeled the entire body over the frame. The builders shortened the windshield and rear glass, and a lengthened hood with hidden hinges cleans up the front end. After all that, they coated the car in a stunning Axalta color named Dirty Martini Green, which gave this Chevy its name.

Modern Bones, Big-Block Power

That custom bodywork is wrapped around a thoroughly modern performance foundation. The Impala rides on a full Roadster Shop chassis, complete with an independent front suspension, Fox Ridetech coilovers, and Woodward rack-and-pinion steering.

Massive 14-inch Baer disc brakes with six-piston calipers handle stopping duties, tucked behind a set of Schott Satin Gold wheels measuring 20×12 inches in the rear.

Power comes from a 630-horsepower, 509-cubic-inch W-head V8 built by the experts at Lamar Walden Automotive, backed by a Tremec T56 six-speed manual transmission.

Inside The ‘Dirty Martini’

The interior is just as detailed, featuring a full custom off-white and tan suede treatment with Dakota Digital gauges. The trunk is fully upholstered and includes removable panels that reveal a hidden martini shaker and cigar humidor, a clever nod to the car’s name.

This incredible attention to detail has earned Dirty Martini some of the biggest awards in the industry, including Goodguys Custom of the Year and the Triple Crown of Rodding’s Best Street Cruiser award.

A Masterpiece On The Block

This 1961 Impala is a rolling piece of automotive art from one of the best builders in the country. It’s a proven, no-expense-spared showstopper with the modern powertrain and chassis to back up its incredible looks.

When it crosses the block at Mecum Monterey this August, it represents an opportunity to acquire a truly finished custom that sits at the top of the hot rodding world.